Q - What size frame should I buy?

• See the table below for a complete Esker Cycles model line-up size guide
• NOTE: Many folks can fit more than a single frame size. If you find yourself at a height in which you can fit 2 different frame sizes, ask yourself what your riding style is like and where/how you intend to use the bike. A larger frame will feel more stable at high speeds, but not as maneuverable in tighter and more technical situations on the trail. Inversely, a smaller frame will be less stable at speeds, but allow you to pick up and place your wheels in technical sections of trail much easier.

Q - What wheel sizes can I use on the Smokey?

• The Smokey was designed and optimized for 29" wheels with 2.6” tires (up to a 2.8" width).

Q - Whats the maximum tire width that the Smokey will take?

• 29x2.6" in the shortest chainstay length postition, and 29x2.8" in the furthest back chainstay length position

Q - What fork travel can I use on the Smokey?

• The Smokey is designed around 160mm suspension forks (530mm fork length). We also test and approve the use of 150mm or 170mm forks on the Smokey as well.
  
• NOTE: Fork offsets have been a topic of discussion for quite some time in the mountain bike community. There are pros and cons to both short and long offset options. While we may have originally designed our frames around either a short or long offset fork, we've spent a lot of time experimenting and riding both options and are quite happy with the results of either short offset forks, or long offset forks. Much of it comes down to personal preference, your own riding style, and what type of trails/terrain you're riding on. Feel like experimenting with an offset that your Esker wasn't originally designed around? Have at it! Bikes are supposed to be fun and unique expressions of the individual riding them...don't sweat the details too much.

Q - What length dropper comes with a complete build?

• SM = 150mm PNW Loam dropper that can be adjusted down to 125mm of travel, or a 160mm Wolf Tooth Dropper that can be adjusted down to 110mm of travel.

• MD/LG/XL = 170mm PNW Loam dropper that can be adjusted down to 145mm of travel, or a 200mm Wolf Tooth Dropper that can be adjusted down to 150mm of travel.
  
  • • For more information on the adjustability of the PNW Loam dropper, click HERE.
    • For more information on the adjustability of the Wolf Tooth dropper, click HERE.

Q - How many water bottles will the Smokey carry?

• SM = 1 bottle in the front triangle, 1 bottle under the downtube.

• MD/LG/XL = 2 bottles in the front triangle, 1 bottle under the down tube.

Q - Can I put a rear rack on the Smokey?

• Sure Thing! While our Hayduke model has dedicated rack mounts built into the frame, the Smokey can still utilize a rear rack by installing our Portage Rack Mount Bolts and a Seatpost Clamp with Rack Mounts.  

Q - Can I single-speed the Smokey?

• You betcha! Our Portage Dropout System allows you to adjust the chainstay length by up to 14mm, allowing you to run a single speed setup reliably, quietly, and with ease. Heck, we even have a single speed build option that you can buy!

Q - Can I run an internally geared hub on the Smoky?

• Technically, yes, but we don't offer any support on figuring out which hubs and support parts may be needed in order to make this happen. Have fun!

Q - How does the Portage Dropout System work?

• The Portage Dropout System attaches to our hardtail frames and allows you to adjust chainstay length (for ride characteristics or tire width clearances) and chain tension (for single speed application).

   

   

Q - Do you do custom builds?

• We do not. We offer a limited menu of upgrade options for all of our bikes, but we do not do custom builds.

• If you'd like to have a custom Esker built up, please reach out to one of our Retail Partners and they'll work with you on getting you exactly what you want!

Q - What kind of Steel do you use?

• The Smokey is crafted from custom drawn, seamless, double butted, heat treated 4130 chromoly DOM tubesetdelivering a durable yet comfortable all-mountain hardtail

Q - What kind of Titanium do you use?

• We build our titanium frames from seamless, double-butted 3/2.5 titanium. This tubeset provides an incredible balance of weight and strength that we find to be paramount for those big backcountry missions and covering the countless miles of abuse we've seen on our frames. We engineer this tubing specifically for this application and value Titanium's longevity both in fatigue, abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Q - What does your warranty look like?

• Esker 1,000,000 Mile Warranty: Yup, you read that right, we'll cover any defects in material, craftsmanship, or design up to 1,000,000 miles. If you hit 1,000,001 miles...you're on your own, and CONGRATULATIONS :)

• Esker Cycles will repair or replace, at its option, any frame that it determines to be defective due to defects in the original materials and/or manufacturing. This limited warranty does not apply to wear and tear, prior claimed defects, or any failures or malfunctions that result from abuse, neglect, misuse, alteration, crash, collision, or any improper assembly or maintenance. This warranty is in effect for the life of the product, applies only to the original owner, and is non-transferable. By REGISTERING your bike with Esker Cycles as the original owner of the product, we guarantee service in regards to any and all warranty related issues. You will be required to present proof of purchase for any warranty claim. This warranty does not cover shipping or logistics to and from Esker Cycles.

• No Fault Replacement

• Esker Cycles will make replacement frames or parts available at a minimum charge in the event of a crash or other non-warranty situation for the life of the frame. Esker Cycles does this at its sole discretion. You will be responsible for all shipping costs to and from Esker Cycles.

• Click HERE to Submit a Warranty Claim.

Q - Can I order one of your frames/bikes through a local bike shop?

• Absolutely. That would be the best way to order one of our frames/bikes! Working with your local bike shop allows you to get great insight on which model is right for you, which size may work best for your intended use, and ensure that your bike gets built up and fit to your exact specifications. Jump on over to our Dealer Locator to see a full map of our retail partners and find the one closest to you.

Q - Can I demo a bike before I buy it?

• We do our best to travel around throughout the year and often partner with regional mountain bike festivals or local retail partners to host demos. For the most up to date opportunities, check our Dealer Locator.  You can also see a full map of our retail partners - reach out to them if you're nearby and ask them what they may have available for you to demo locally.

Q - I want to buy a frame bag before my bike/frame arrives, can you provide the frame bag dimensions for the Smokey?

• We don't recommend buying a frame bag until you have your frame/bike on hand. That is the absolute best way to ensure you get the right size and shape for your bike.

• If you're looking to make a custom bag(s) for your Lorax, we've partnered with some incredible custom frame bag makers that all have our frame dimensions and files on hand. Please reach out to one of the following frame bag makers to get the exact bags made for your bike that you want!

• Cadaero - Two Harbors, Minnesota

• JPaks LLC - Denver, Colorado

• Rogue Panda - Flagstaff, Arizona

• Rockgeist - Asheville, North Carolina